Esophageal atresia

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Esophagus and stomach anatomy

Tracheoesophageal fistula repair - series

Tracheoesophageal fistula

• Drooling
• Poor feeding
• Coughing, gagging, and choking with attempted feeding
• Bluish coloration to the skin (cyanosis) with attempted feedings
• Too much amniotic fluid during pregnancy

Prior to birth, the presence of too much amniotic fluid will cause suspicion of esophageal atresia, or other obstruction of the digestive tract.

After birth, as soon as the diagnosis is suspected, an attempt to pass a small feeding tube through the mouth or nose into the stomach should be made. The feeding tube will not be able to pass all the way to the stomach in a baby with esophageal atresia.

An X-ray of the esophagus shows an air-filled pouch and air in the stomach and intestine. If a feeding tube was passed it will be seen coiled up in the upper esophagus.

Review Date: 10/13/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.